rechtzetten

Rechtzetten is a Dutch verb meaning to set something right, to correct mistakes, or to rectify a situation. The core sense is to restore accuracy, fairness, or order, whether in physical objects, texts, statements, or policies. In everyday language it is used for correcting a misstated fact, revising a document, or putting things back in their proper state. In a broader sense it can also mean to compensate for a past fault or injustice by actions to make amends.

Etymology: from recht 'straight, correct' and zetten 'to place, to set'. The figurative sense 'to make right again' extends to both literal corrections and moral or factual corrections. The noun form is rechtzetting; related term rectificatie is common in formal contexts and media.

Usage and examples: De woordvoerder heeft een fout rechtgezet. (The spokesperson corrected the error.) De krant plaatste een rechtzetting of gaf een rectificatie. We moeten dit rechtzetten. In journalism, a rechtzetting is a public correction of a misstatement.

Synonyms and nuance: corrigeren, rectificeren, herstellen. Rechtzetten emphasizes restoring truth or proper state, often after an error or misstatement; rectificeren or corrigeren are broader or more neutral, depending on context.

See also: rectificatie, correction notice, record straight.